Workshop/Workbook 4

Question 1

What is culture?

Answer 1

The sum of different factors, including attitudes, values, beliefs and human behaviour. Human behaviour can include social norms, traditions, languages and policies. Culture is not static and is always changing

Question 2

What is a cultural lens?

Answer 2

Being able to see things from the perspective of a different culture

Question 3

What is the relationship between social determinants of health and health status? (Referring to the iceberg and river models)

Answer 3

Iceberg:

• The top of the iceberg shows physical health status, which is immediately visible and identifiable. This is only the tip of the iceberg, and only a small part of the overall picture
• The middle section of the iceberg represents the behavioural and lifestyle factors that affect health, these are just beneath the surface of the water
• The bottom of the iceberg, deep in the water, represents the social determinants, as although they are not immediately visible, have the biggest impact on health

River:

• The upstream section is what causes illness
• Midstream is developing illness
• Downstream actions refer to intervention by health professionals to treat illness
• It is important to stop the water flowing upstream so that it does not flow downstream to where the problem is (prevention is better than treatment)

Question 4

What is cultural shock?

Answer 4

The disorientation, lonliness, confusion and insecurity experienced by someone when they move into a different cultural environment

Question 5

What is a world view?

Answer 5

The way you see the world. This can be influenced by your culture, your family and friends, and human experiences

Question 6

What are some gender issues amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Answer 6

• Mens’ and womens’ business
• Aboriginal people have gender roles, customs and practices that are carried out separately by men and women
• For example, the role of a woman is reproduction, and womens’ business includes female ceremonies, menstruation, contraception etc.
• In contrast to this, mens’ business involves discussing male anatomy, hunting, conflicts etc.
• Breaching these roles/boundaries can result in “shame” for the individual
• Shame is a situation where an individual is singled out and loses security and anonymity from the group

Question 7

What does ethnocentric mean?

Answer 7

Judging other people through your world view